Dozens leave Mariupol plant as Pelosi slams Russian 'bullies'
The Hindu
UN confirmed that a "safe passage operation is ongoing" at Azovstal in coordination between the Red Cross and Russian and Ukrainian forces but declined to give details because of safety concerns
Dozens of civilians have left a besieged steel plant in the Ukrainian city of Mariupol, Russia said on Sunday, as U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi promised to support Ukraine against Russian "bullies" after visiting Kyiv.
Russia's Defence Ministry said a total of 46 civilians had left in two groups on Saturday from the area around the Azovstal plant — the last holdout of Ukrainian forces in the city.
The UN confirmed that a "safe passage operation is ongoing" at Azovstal in coordination between the Red Cross and Russian and Ukrainian forces but declined to give details because of safety concerns.
The development has raised hopes of a long-awaited evacuation from the plant, where Ukrainian fighters say they and hundreds of civilians have been sheltering from relentless Russian bombardment.
Their fate has drawn worldwide condemnation.
Pope Francis on Sunday used his weekly Angelus prayer to renew his appeal for humanitarian corridors from Mariupol, saying that the city had been "bombed and destroyed in a barbaric manner".
Thousands have been killed and millions displaced by Russia's invasion, which began on February 24.
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